Number of snakes in the Netherlands is declining, wall lizard is doing well

In the Netherlands, snake populations, including the grass snake, adder, and smooth snake, have declined, according to new CBS and RAVON data. The smooth snake has seen the most significant decrease, likely due to reduced food availability. Initially, the adder and grass snake populations increased after 2000 but are now also declining, with the adder affected by climate change. Among seven studied reptile species, only two showed stable populations, with the hazelworm remaining unchanged since 2014. The wall lizard has thrived, increasing fivefold since 1994, although its numbers have recently started to decline. The sand lizard, initially doing well, is now facing a decrease due to fewer insects and habitat loss.